Both teams had good chances to open the scoring in an entertaining first 45 minutes. Alexander Geynrikh fired against the post for the visitors, while Brazilian-born Cesar curled a left-footed free-kick onto the post for the home side seven minutes before half-time.

But the deadlock was finally broken with nearly an hour played when Uzbek central defender powered home a 30-yard shot that found the net via the underside of the crossbar.

And Uzbekistan secured victory in the 72nd minute when captain Djeparov made the most of a poor Ibrahim Majed back pass to fire past goalkeeper Qasem Burhan.

Despite Qatar enjoying lost of second-half possession, Uzbekistan held on for a comfortable victory.

The other two Group A teams, China and Kuwait, will face each other in Saturday's only fixture.